MISSIONThe ship's sophisticated combat system is designed to support brief, intense engagements, in which the full simultaneous operational capability of the ship, including maximum firepower of all weapons, will be employed to support national policy. O’KANE operates either as an element of a coordinated force, or independently as the nucleus of a Surface Action Group, to conduct and/or coordinate operations. O’KANE’s numerous warfare mission areas include: Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Strike Warfare (STW), Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), and Force Protection.

ORGANIZATIONThe Combat Systems Officer is responsible for the overall operation and performance of the Combat Systems Department.

CC DIVISION.CC Division, run by the Communications Officer, consists of Information Systems Technician (ITs), who are responsible for all of O’KANE’s electronic communication. The ITs manage and handle sensitive material, which allows the ship to use secure ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore transmissions, and the operation of all radio equipment. ITs provide and maintain reliable, secure, and rapid telecommunications using a complex array of equipment subsystems and networks which provide support for the operational and administrative needs of the command. ITs also operate and maintain the O’KANE’s non-tactical information systems including two local area networks and over one hundred computers. They are also responsible for the accreditation and security of each system.

CE DIVISION.The Electronics Technicians (ETs) and Interior Communications Electricians (ICs) operate and maintain the ship's electronic support systems. Primary responsibilities include the operational readiness, calibration and casualty control of the Exterior Communications System, Interior Communication System, Navigation System, Surface Search Radar System, and electronic equipment not specifically assigned to another division. The ETs ensure all radiating sensors and communications equipment are operational for safe navigation and communication with other units. The ICs are responsible for the Interior Voice Communication System, which is a complex system of telephone lines and multi-user nets used for internal communications and shipboard command and control.

CF DIVISION.CF Division is the sole controller and maintainer of the “Shield of the Fleet,” the Aegis Combat System. Fire Control Technicians (FCs) maintain this advanced Command and Control and Weapon Control System. The Aegis Combat System employs powerful computers and radars to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets. The Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System program allows AWS to counter short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Aegis is comprised of the AN/SPY-1D Radar, MK 99 Fire Control System, Weapon Control System, the Command and Decision Suite and Standard Missiles systems. It is controlled by an advanced, automatic detect-and-track, multi-function, three-dimensional, passive electronically scanned array radar, SPY.

The ship's sophisticated combat system is designed to support brief, intense engagements, in which the full simultaneous operational capability of the ship, including maximum firepower of all weapons, will be employed to support national policy. The ship will operate as an element of a coordinated force, or independently as the nucleus of a Surface Action Group, to conduct and/or coordinate operations in numerous warfare mission areas, including: Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Strike Warfare (STW), Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), and Force Protection. The Combat Systems Officer is responsible for the overall operation and performance of the Combat Systems Department.

Weapons

MISSIONWeapons Department personnel work in the realm of ordnance and firepower. The Division Officers, Chiefs, Petty Officers and designated Seamen operate and maintain all of the Weapons Systems.

ORGANIZATIONCA DIVISION.The SONAR Technicians (STGs) operate and maintain the AN/SQQ-89 Integrated ASW Suite, the most advanced system of its kind in the world today. The AN/SQR-19 Tactical Towed Array SONAR provides long-range passive detection of enemy submarines, while the AN/SQS-53C Hull-Mounted SONAR is used actively and passively to detect and localize submarine contacts. O’KANE can launch and recover SH-60B LAMPS MK III Helicopters, which communicate with the ship to localize and attack submarines and conduct Over-The-Horizon Targeting missions. O’KANE can attack hostile submarine contacts by firing torpedoes from her six MK 32 Surface Vessel Torpedo Tubes or by firing Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rockets (VLA) fired from the MK 41 Vertical Launching System.

CG DIVISION.The Gunners Mates (GMs) in Ordnance Division are responsible for the safekeeping and transportation of almost all ammunition on board the ship, and most of the weaponry used to fire the ammunition. The MK 45 5"/54 Caliber Gun Mount, in conjunction with the MK 34 Gun Weapon System, is used against surface ships and close hostile aircraft, and to support forces ashore with Naval Gunfire Support. CG also maintains the ship’s crew served weapons to include the 25MM, 40MM, 50 Cal and M240B machine guns.

FORCE PROTECTION AND ANTI-TERRORISM.Select personnel on the ship are trained to implement force protection measures. Regardless of location, Force Protection is vital to the safety and security of the O’KANE.

VISIT, BOARD, SEARCH AND SEIZURE.VBSS teams ensure that freedom of navigation is tenable, international and national sanctions are enforced, and our international relations with the world’s mariners are in accordance with national tasking.

Operations

MissionOperations Department supports the ship in sustained operations at sea as a part of a Joint Task Group or as an independent unit in Anti-Air, Anti-Surface, Anti-Submarine and Strike Warfare operations against the enemy. Secondary roles include fixed and rotary-wing aircraft control, electronic navigation, electronic and visual communication, Naval Gunfire Support, electronic warfare, search and rescue.

OrganizationThe Operations Officer (OPS) is responsible for the evaluation and dissemination of combat and operational information required for the ship to fulfill its assigned mission. Other duties include serving as Command Training Officer, Command Safety Officer, and Primary Security Assistant.

OD DIVISION.OD Division, run by the First Lieutenant, is comprised of Boatswain's Mates (BMs), one of the traditional ratings in the United States Navy, and undesignated seamen. Experts in deck seamanship, BMs safely execute all deck evolutions, such as anchoring, mooring, underway replenishment, small boat operations, and flight deck operations. OD Division is also responsible for the preservation and painting of the ship. Deck Seamen (SN) are the ship's deck maintenance workforce. They assist the Boatswain's Mates in operating deck equipment and in maintaining topside spaces.

OI DIVISION.Led by the Combat Information Center Officer (CICO), OI Division consists of Operations Specialists (OSs). They operate radars, navigation equipment, and communication equipment in the Combat Information Center (CIC). They evaluate radar displays, identify contacts, and carry out the tactical decisions for the Combat System. They plot imagery data using maps and charts and receive data from computerized intelligence systems ashore and afloat. This division is responsible for the collection and dissemination of all combat information required for the ship to assess the tactical situation, and successfully employ the unique combat capabilities of the complex warship.The OSs always remain “FROSTY and OSCAR MIKE!”

NN DIVISION.NN Division, led by the Navigator, consists of Quartermasters (QMs), who are responsible for the safe navigation in the ship, and for visual communications. Quartermasters maintain all the charts and equipment necessary to safely navigate the ship. When the ship is underway, a Quartermaster is always on watch on the bridge to determine the ships position, assist the Officer of the Deck, and track the Path of Intended Movement (PIM). QMs are experts in visual communications, allowing the ship to communicate with other ships in sight, without using electronic means, which can be detected by the enemy.

OT DIVISION.OT DIVISION consisting of the Cryptological Technicians (CTRs, CTTs, CTMs) operating in both CIC and SSES. The CTs encrypt, decrypt, and jam all ranges of signals and information both friendly and foe.

OrganizationThe Supply Officer runs the department to ensure that stores and repair parts are delivered on time. He also ensures that the meals are hot and healthy, and that the hotel services, such as laundry, the barber shop, and the post office, provide the crew with superior service.

S-1 DIVISION.Stores Division could best be described as the local version of a hardware store, repair parts warehouse, and convenience store, all rolled into one. The Storekeepers provide material support to the entire ship. Their scope of responsibilities range from clerical support, to ensure the "Administrative Machine" runs smoothly, to procuring and stocking repair parts in order to maintain the ship's hull, mechanical and electrical mission readiness.

S-2 DIVISION.The Food Service Division in the ship is staffed by Culinary Specialists (CSs). They provide O’KANE Sailors with wholesome, piping hot, nutritional meals. This is achieved through proper food preparation and service based on the Basic Daily Food Allowance (BDFA), which is promulgated by the Navy Ration Law.

S-3 DIVISION.Sales and Services Division in the ship is staffed by a team of Ship's Servicemen (SHs) dedicated to customer service. S-3 includes the Barber Shop, Laundry, Ship's Store and Vending Machines, and is inextricably linked to the morale of the ship. If it needs to be bought, cut, or washed, the SHs are the professionals to get the job done.

Executive

MissionThe Executive Department provides medical services, administrative services, counseling services, and a Master-At-Arms Force that maintains good order and discipline in the ship. It is led by the Executive Officer.

PERSONNEL.The Personnel Specialists (PSs) update Sailor’s service records, chop orders, and are the ensure Sailors receive all payment benefits for which they are eligible and that all crew members are paid the correct amount on time.

ADMINISTRATIVE.The Yeomen (YNs) handle all official correspondence, publications, and documents for the Command. YNs generate and compile all of O’KANE’s instructions and policies.

CAREER COUNSELING.The ship maintains one Navy Counselor (NC) on board to assist crew members in applying for numerous programs offered by the Navy. The NC ensures that all reenlistment requests are accurate and submitted.

MASTER-AT-ARMS.The Master-At-Arms Petty Officers (MAs) maintain good order and discipline both on and off the ship. MAs continuously inspect the ship for cleanliness and safety. Additionally, MAs handle the preparation of all discipline reports, and assist the Legal Officer in conducting both judicial and no judicial punishment procedures. The MA Force is made up of at least one rated MA, and other crew members who volunteer for the Master-At-Arms Force.

MEDICAL.O’KANE maintains two Hospital Corpsman (HM) on board to support the crew with medical treatment, and to provide quick response in case of an emergency. The ship’s Independent Duty Corpsman (IDC), “Doc,” serves as the command’s sole resource for both routine and emergency medical care.

Engineering

MissionEngineering Department’s mission is to maintain and safely operate O’KANE’s engineering plant in order to support O’KANE’s primary mission as an instrument of national policy. The primary responsibilities of Engineering Department are to safely and efficiently provide propulsion, and generate and distribute electrical power throughout the ship. Additional responsibilities include: Fresh water distillation, steering control, damage control, drainage, and sewage treatment.

Organization“CHENG,” the Engineering Officer, ensures the Engineering Department maintains all equipment properly and personnel are trained to respond to and recover from any casualty that may occur in the engineering plant.

A DIVISION.Auxiliaries Division maintains almost all of the ship's auxiliary engineering equipment on board the ship. Known as A-Gang, the Enginemen (ENs) are responsible for the ship's air conditioning plants, fresh water distillers, potable water system, sewage system, steering system, and galley equipment. The ENs maintain gear from the bow of the ship to the stern, and are constantly working to fix problems.

MP DIVISION.The Gas Turbine Systems Mechanical Technicians (GSMs) and Gas Turbine Systems Electrical Technicians (GSEs) are primarily responsible for main propulsion and electrical power generation. The GSMs maintain four LM-2500 Gas Turbine Engines, and all associated equipment, in two Main Engine Rooms, necessary to provide and control propulsion. The GSEs are tasked with the upkeep of three Allison 501-K34 Gas Turbine Generators, capable of providing 2,500 Kilowatts each. Additionally, MP Division is accountable for the storage and quality of the lubricating oil used throughout the engineering plant, and the fuel oil burned by the engines and helicopters.

R DIVISION.Repair Division is home to a mix of Damage Controlmen (DCs), Hull Technicians (HTs), and damage control petty officers. It is primarily responsible for maintaining the O’KANE’s structural integrity and repair equipment. The Damage Control Assistant (DCA) provides general and specific training on proper fire-fighting, flooding, and other casualty response techniques. Every Sailor must first be a fire-fighter. The DCs and other highly qualified representatives serve as the team leaders for all shipboard emergency response teams.

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